Project Partnership
Nordic Bridge brings together a consortium of 24 partners from Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Ireland. The partnership spans the full quadruple helix—academia, municipalities and counties, business clusters and private companies, innovation and entrepreneurship organizations, student unions, and non-profit actors. Together, these partners are going to be actively engaged in the co-design, testing, and prototyping of the digital matchmaking portal, ensuring it truly bridges academia and society. By combining expertise and insights across sectors and regions, the Nordic Bridge portal will serve as a practical, challenge-driven tool for innovation helping to address real societal needs and unlock new opportunities for regional growth.
Partners
Nordic Bridge brings together a consortium of 7 main partners and 17 associated partners from Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Ireland.
Nord University
Nord University plays a central role in regional knowledge development and innovation in central and northern Norway. With over 11,300 students, 270 PhD candidates, and 1,300 employees across 8 campuses, Nord is a driving force for education and research aligned with regional and global needs. Strategically situated across Nordland and Trøndelag counties, the university's reach spans 900 km and 40% of Norway’s coastline. Nord's strengths lie in its academic excellence in blue and green growth, sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, health, welfare and education, and societal security. It maintains strong ties with both public institutions and private industry—including key sectors such as tourism, energy, agriculture, forestry, mining, maritime, and space technology. With deep regional engagement, Nord University is committed to fostering collaboration between academia, business, and communities, making it a key partner in Nordic Bridge’s mission to create challenge-driven innovation and cross-border cooperation.
Holar University
Hólar University (HOLAR) brings specialized expertise that directly supports the goals of the Nordic Bridge project. With academic strengths in aquaculture, fish biology, aquatic ecology, equine science, riding instruction, and rural tourism, the university contributes valuable knowledge in sustainability, regional development, and nature-based industries. Its strong ties to local communities and industry partners make Hólar a key player in fostering collaboration between academia and society—supporting the co-creation of solutions to real-world challenges in Northern and Arctic regions.
Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a multidisciplinary institution with a strong focus on research, development, and innovation (RDI). Within the Nordic Bridge project, the university brings expertise in technology and bioeconomy, particularly in relation to the green transition and sustainable energy systems. Its bachelor’s and master’s programmes offer specialization in circular economy, sustainability, and responsible business practices—preparing students to address real-world environmental and industrial challenges. Lapland UAS is also actively engaged in international collaboration on thesis supervision and research initiatives, making it a valuable partner for cross-border knowledge exchange and joint academic ventures.
Atlantic Technological University
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a comprehensive Irish higher education institution with over 20,000 students, offering a wide range of academic programs from certificates to doctoral degrees. ATU is actively engaged in high-level research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, consistently contributing to peer-reviewed publications and the commercialization of research through market-ready products, systems, and processes. As a public university, ATU serves as a recognized knowledge hub, frequently collaborating with public authorities, regional assemblies, and municipalities to address educational, societal, and economic challenges. A member of the regional marine cluster (https://kmc.blue), ATU maintains close ties with the marine sector in northwest Ireland, making it a key partner in advancing regional sustainability and innovation through challenge-driven collaboration.
Bodø Næringsforum
Bodø Business Forum (BNF) represents a network of around 500 member companies spanning all industries in the Bodø region. With a strong focus on regional economic development, business growth, and innovation, BNF brings valuable thematic expertise to the Nordic Bridge project. The organization plays a key role in fostering collaboration between businesses, academia, and public authorities. Through its strategic efforts to improve framework conditions for local enterprises, BNF supports value creation, job development, and sustainable business practices—making it a vital contributor to challenge-driven partnerships and regional innovation.
Association of Municipalities and Business Development
SSNE brings extensive experience in regional planning and economic development, making it a valuable partner in the Nordic Bridge project. With deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) region, SSNE plays a key role in fostering blue and green growth through strategic collaboration. Their expertise in implementing regional development plans, facilitating innovation, and managing funding mechanisms aligns closely with the project's mission to strengthen cross-sector engagement and support sustainable regional transformation.
Advanced Innovation in Manufacturing
AIM is a non-profit digital innovation centre dedicated to advancing the integration of emerging and advanced technologies into manufacturing processes and business supply chains. Founded by Sligo County Council, Leitrim County Council, and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), AIM specialises in smart manufacturing and digitalisation, with core competencies in robotics, automation, IoT, MQTT, augmented and virtual reality, and strategic alignment. The centre also designs and delivers tailored workshops and training programs for both SMEs and multinational companies. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, AIM plays a vital role in supporting SMEs, driving regional innovation, and fostering economic development—making it a key contributor to the Nordic Bridge project.
Studentorganisasjonen i Bodø (SONORD)
SONORD) has expressed a strong interest in joining the Nordic Bridge Project as an Associated Partner. Representing students across all campuses of Nord University, SONORD plays a vital role in voicing student interests in academic, political, and welfare matters. Within the project, SONORD will contribute to the design, prototyping, and testing phases of the digital portal, ensuring that it reflects real student needs and perspectives. Most importantly, they will actively support student engagement and encourage students to use the portal to access real-world problems—an essential aspect of making the platform successful and impactful. Their involvement will promote student-driven innovation, cross-border thesis collaboration, and long-term sustainability planning.
Sodankyla Municipality
The Municipality of Sodankylä, located in the heart of Lapland, is dedicated to fostering innovation, community development, and economic growth. With a strong focus on developing public services and supporting the local population, Sodankylä’s strategic priorities—such as stimulating new business ideas, retaining talent, enhancing regional collaboration, and advancing research and innovation—align well with the objectives of the Nordic Bridge Project. As a project partner, Sodankylä brings valuable connections to local businesses and is eager to contribute to portal design, testing, and collaborative activities that promote visibility and usage among regional stakeholders. Their participation will help ensure the portal responds to real regional needs and drives sustainable development. Through this partnership, Sodankylä aims to engage directly with academic institutions and innovation ecosystems, influence cross-border development initiatives, and strengthen the foundation for a resilient and forward-looking community.
The Arctic University of Norway UiT
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is among the largest universities in the North of Norway. UiT is dedicated to education, research, innovation, and community engagement. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation, regional development, and student involvement, UiT’s mission aligns well with the objectives of the Nordic Bridge Project. UiT brings valuable expertise in research-driven societal impact, student entrepreneurship, and talent retention, contributing directly to the portal’s design, content development, and sustainability planning. The university sees this collaboration as an opportunity to influence regional policy and development, foster co-creation between academia and society, and promote early-career research opportunities, including PhD pathways. Through Nordic Bridge, UiT aims to strengthen its role in regional innovation ecosystems while contributing to sustainable growth across the Northern Periphery and Arctic.
Sligo County
Sligo County Council is the Local Authority for County Sligo, Ireland, responsible for delivering local services, exercising local powers, and serving as a democratic forum for community representation. With a strong commitment to economic development, inclusive communities, heritage preservation, and environmental protection, the Council actively supports innovation, education, and cross-sector collaboration. These strategic priorities align closely with the objectives of the Nordic Bridge Project, particularly in fostering talent retention, promoting inward investment, and bridging academia and industry. As a trusted public body with experience in cross-border collaboration and the NPA programme, Sligo County Council brings valuable networks across sectors and policymaking spheres. Through the project, the Council will help facilitate access to stakeholders, contribute real-world case studies, and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. Participation in Nordic Bridge enhances efforts to reduce brain drain, drive sustainable development, and position Sligo as a dynamic place to live, learn, and work.
Narvik Studentersamfunn
Algoritmi, a student club under Narvik Studentersamfunn, focuses on enhancing student engagement in programming and practical software development. The club offers a collaborative environment where students gain experience through projects and peer-to-peer learning. Aligned with the Nordic Bridge Project’s objectives, Algoritmi brings valuable technological insight and student-driven innovation to the initiative. Their involvement will contribute to the design, prototyping, and testing phases of the platform, ensuring it meets the needs of young innovators. As an associated partner, they aim to strengthen links between academia and society, while supporting student employment, skill development, and regional innovation.
Sligo Chamber of Commerce
Sligo Chamber of Commerce is the largest business membership organization in the North West of Ireland, representing over 300 businesses across Sligo City and County. Formed in response to local business needs and accredited by Chambers Ireland, the Chamber plays a central role in fostering economic development, competitiveness, and business growth in the region. With a strong focus on regional collaboration and strategic partnerships, Sligo Chamber supports initiatives that create an enabling environment for commerce and innovation—aligning well with the goals of the Nordic Bridge Project. Through its expertise in business networking, the Chamber will contribute by facilitating access to its member base, supporting communication and dissemination activities, and ensuring the portal reflects regional business needs. Participation in Nordic Bridge enhances the Chamber’s mission by promoting student engagement, aligning development with strategic goals, and advancing sustainable, innovation-driven growth in the region.
Salten Regionråd
Salten Regionråd is a collaborative body representing ten municipalities in the Bodø region—Rødøy, Meløy, Gildeskål, Beiarn, Saltdal, Fauske, Bodø, Steigen, Sørfold, and Hamarøy/Hábmer—working to initiate, develop, and coordinate policies for sustainable regional growth. With responsibilities spanning outdoor recreation (Salten Friluftsråd), cultural cooperation (Salten Kultursamarbeid), and youth-focused initiatives (Felles Ansvar), they also lead projects in areas such as transport, tourism, energy, emergency preparedness, and health. Their strong regional network and experience in community-driven development make them a valuable contributor to the Nordic Bridge Project. Through this partnership, Salten Regionråd offers real-world case studies for student theses, access to key stakeholders, and mentoring support, while benefiting from enhanced collaboration with academia and industry, new opportunities for knowledge sharing, and improved prospects for student employment and talent retention in the region.
Auðna TTT
Auðna TTT is a non-profit organization focused on technology and knowledge transfer for all universities and major public research institutions in Iceland. Dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, Auðna supports the transformation of inventions and applied research into real-world solutions through services such as IP advisory, market and IP landscape analysis, and spin-off support. Their work directly aligns with the goals of the Nordic Bridge Project by fostering value creation, innovation, and competitiveness. With extensive networks across academia, industry, and the funding community, Auðna brings vital expertise in translating expectations between sectors, advising on intellectual property rights, and supporting collaborative innovation. As a partner in Nordic Bridge, Auðna will contribute to portal design, matchmaking functionality, and community outreach—ensuring the platform enables meaningful, IP-aware collaboration that drives impactful research and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Bodø Municipality
Bodø Municipality (Bodø kommune) is a forward-looking municipality in Nordland, Norway, dedicated to ensuring welfare and quality of life for its residents at every stage of life. With a strong commitment to community and industrial development, the municipality actively supports student engagement and talent retention goals that align closely with the Nordic Bridge Project. Its strategic priorities include creating job opportunities for students, enhancing regional collaboration and innovation, attracting skilled talent, and improving public services. As a project partner, Bodø Municipality plays a role in bridging public sector needs with academic expertise to foster sustainable, challenge-driven development.
SAMTOK SVEITARFELAGA NORDURLAND VESTRA
SSNV is a public sector organization focused on regional and business development in North Iceland. With a strong commitment to innovation, community growth, and cross-sector collaboration, SSNV's mission aligns closely with the goals of the Nordic Bridge Project. Their strategic priorities include talent retention, regional cooperation, and advancing sustainable innovation. As an active partner, SSNV brings valuable expertise, networks, and advisory support in areas such as sustainability, collaboration strategies, and communication. Their involvement will help ensure that the Nordic Bridge platform is grounded in regional needs and aligned with public policy goals. Through this partnership, SSNV gains direct access to academic institutions and industry leaders, strengthens its role in regional innovation ecosystems, and contributes to sustainable development and long-term value creation in the Northern Periphery and Arctic region.
Nordland County
Nordland County Council is a regional authority dedicated to delivering public services and promoting sustainable development in Nordland. With a strong focus on innovation, talent retention, and regional growth, the Council's priorities align closely with the objectives of the Nordic Bridge Project. Their involvement brings valuable experience from international projects, extensive networks, and a longstanding collaboration with Nord University. As a committed partner, Nordland County Council will contribute in-kind support through advisory input, participation in portal testing, and project promotion across its platforms. This collaboration supports their strategic goals of retaining young talent, strengthening the regional workforce, and fostering business and innovation in key pillars of education, industry, and development strategies.
Sumetku Oy
Sumetku Oy is a private company dedicated to fostering innovation, business development, and student engagement, with a strong strategic focus on talent retention, regional collaboration, and technology-driven solutions. Their mission aligns closely with the Nordic Bridge Project’s goal of connecting academia and industry through real-world challenges. By contributing their network, expertise, and resources, Sumetku Oy will actively support the platform’s development, testing, and refinement—ensuring it meets practical demands. Their participation will help bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs, create job opportunities for students, and advance innovation and technology in the region. As a partner, Sumetku Oy looks forward to influencing regional development efforts, contributing to skill development, and co-creating sustainable solutions that foster long-term regional impact.
NCE Aquaculture
NCE Aquaculture AS is a research and innovation cluster dedicated to advancing salmon welfare and fish health in the aquaculture industry. Deeply committed to strengthening research and innovation efforts, they actively seek to scale up collaboration with academia, particularly by connecting ongoing industry-driven projects to Master's and PhD theses. This vision aligns closely with the Nordic Bridge Project’s goal of fostering meaningful links between education, research, and regional industry needs. By joining the project, NCE Aquaculture contributes valuable industry insights and is eager to serve in an advisory capacity, ensuring relevance and applicability from an industry perspective. This partnership provides opportunities to influence regional development, promote student employment and early career pathways, and engage directly with academic institutions, ultimately supporting sustainable innovation and talent retention in the region.
Kemi's Digipolis Oy
Kemin Digipolis Oy will serve as an industry partner during the testing phase of the Nordic Bridge platform. Their role includes generating real-world assignments and research initiatives for platform participants to address, particularly in the areas of circular economy, green energy, and bioeconomy. In addition, they will provide valuable feedback and advisory support on challenges specific to the industrial private sector. Through their extensive networks, Kemin Digipolis will also facilitate connections with local companies, entrepreneurs, and regional business clusters, ensuring that the platform remains aligned with current industry needs and opportunities.
EIMUR
Eimur is a public-private innovation cluster based in North Iceland, dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions and fostering regional development. Founded through collaboration between Landsvirkjun (The National Power Company of Iceland), the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate, regional utility companies Norðurorka and Orkuveita Húsavíkur, and municipal associations SSNE and SSNV, Eimur serves as a bridge between industry, government, academia, and society. Its mission is to enhance resource utilization, promote value creation, and drive innovation in energy and sustainability. Eimur actively supports circular economy initiatives, clean energy transitions, and regional development strategies—core objectives that align strongly with the Nordic Bridge Project. Through its participation, Eimur will offer strategic advice, access to applied research and innovation networks, and facilitate collaboration among municipalities, businesses, and academic institutions. This partnership will strengthen cross-border knowledge exchange, support real-world innovation, and help shape a resilient and sustainable future across the NPA region.